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World’s Eight Most Powerful Countries In 2017

The American Interest, leading American foreign policy magazine has released the list of The World’s Eight Powerful Countries of 2017 . The list is topped by US. Whereas, China and Japan are at tie for being on the second spot. Russia secured the fourth spot and Germany came fifth. Israel joined the list for the first time at number eight.

Here is the full list:

1. The United States of America

It has topped the list for the last century. Therefore, the United States remains the most powerful country on earth. The magazine attributed a number of characteristics of America’s dynamic economic and social aspects to its victory. Some of them are:
­ a. constitutional stability
­ b. deep bench of strong allies and partners
­ c. overwhelming military superiority

2. China (tie)

In 2016, China cemented its status as the world’s second greatest power. Apart from its own forceful actions, China enjoyed several strokes of good fortune in 2016. These include election of a China-friendly populist in the Philippines and the demise of the Trans-Pacific Partnership. As a result of these events, China got a new opportunity to set the trade agenda in the Asia-Pacific.

2. Japan (tie)

The magazine pointed that Japan is a perennially underrated global power. Its influence has been steadily increasing over the past few years. 2016 saw that trend continue. Japan’s displayed smart diplomacy from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and a widespread anxiety over China’s aggression drove many of its neighbours toward greater cooperation with Tokyo, describes the magazine.

4. Russia

Vladimir Putin’s punch above his weight, defying predictions of economic collapse and military quagmire pushed Russia to this rank.

5. Germany

Germany skipped a position compared to 2016 listings. It was ahead of Russia in last year’s power rankings. This is because Putin had a good year. Additionally, Germany is locked in a long-term fight with Russia over the future direction of Europe. Germany wants a Europe in which European policies and laws are decided by EU institutions without outside interference.

6. India

India is the world’s largest democracy. It is home to the second-largest English-speaking population in the world. Moreover it boasts of a a diversified and rapidly growing economy. As a result of the strong leadership of Narendra Modi, India has deftly steered its way among these competing powers, as rightly pointed by the magazine.

7. Iran

Throughout 2016, Iranian proxies were on the march across the Middle East. Iran confidently took the lead because of the Shi’a Crescent seemed closer to reality than ever before. Additionally, the proxy wars between Saudi Arabia and Iran continued unabated throughout 2016. Meanwhile, the fruits of the nuclear deal continued to roll in.

8. Israel

Israel is the new name on the list. A small country in a chaotic part of the world, Israel is a rising power with a growing impact on world affairs, points out the magazine.